February 23-26, 2026 • Long Beach Convention Center • Long Beach, CA
MENU

Resilient Girls, Thriving Schools with Lean In Girls

By middle school, girls’ confidence drops by 30% while boys’ stays steady—a hidden equity gap that undermines engagement, aspirations, and wellbeing. Charter schools across California are addressing this challenge with Lean In Girls – a free girls’ leadership curriculum that builds confidence, resilience, and belonging. In this interactive session, participants will learn about the link between leadership and student success, explore case studies, engage in hands-on activities, and leave with a practical framework and free resources designed to foster inclusive environments where all students are empowered to thrive.

When/Where:


Topic:


Format:


Presented by


Photo
Kelly Meredith

Director, Partnerships
Lean In Girls
Kelly is a relationship builder, problem solver, and curiosity-driven human committed to creating a future that is vibrant, resilient, and equitable. She is proud to serve as the Director of Partnership for the Lean in Girls program, where she has the privilege of supporting partner organizations to empower girls with the tools and skills to become confident, inclusive, everyday leaders!


Photo
Vanessa Garza

Head of School
Girls Athletic Leadership School (GALS) Los Angeles
Vanessa Garza expertly translates student potential into success of self and beyond. With her data-driven leadership, teachers elevate their classroom instruction to ensure student mastery with a holistic approach. Ms. Garza was born and raised in Los Angeles and proud of earning her Masters in Education from UCLA while serving as a middle school teacher in LAUSD. Vanessa is 3rd gen Angeleno and a 1st gen college graduate from Tulane University.


SESSION RESOURCES

When/Where:


Topic:


Format:


SESSION RESOURCES